Brunei can tap Japan tourists
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Pristine rainforest can help boost nation's image as eco-tourism centre
JAPANESE tourism consultant said that Brunei has the potential to tap the Japanese "baby boomers" or elderly market as Brunei is rich in natural heritage, although recent research indicated Brunei has many areas that can still be improved.
The research, completed last year, says that the target market can be set for wider range segments because of good infrastructure and easy access to the pristine nature. Brunei's rainforests can be seen along the main roads just outside of the capital.
Primary rainforest is an important tourism asset, said F Sakakibara, who has 25 years of consulting experience with diverse clientele. "With nature right next door, it is quite an advantage," he said. Eco-tourism is key to development of the Brunei tourism market. He suggested that collaboration with the Forestry Department would further improve tourist satisfaction.
Sakakibara added that the Brunei Forestry Museum could become an ideal orientation centre for eco-tourism by improving aspects and responding to tourist needs. Primitive mangrove forests and wildlife such as Proboscis Monkey can be seen in the city, allowing an easy access to nature.
However, tourism information about Brunei is very diluted. When people overseas hear stories about Brunei, it has nothing to do with tourism, said the consultant. "I have a very clear-cut image of Brunei, but it's not related to tourism".
He pointed out other factors apart from natural ecology that would appeal to tourists, such as the cleanliness, safety and the stability of the country.
"Hygiene, public safety, and security are very important to tourists," he added.
However, Sakakibara also talked about some eyesores like the rubbish that is seen floating around the Brunei River and Kampong Ayer, which might deter tourists from coming back, or recommending it to other tourists.
"Why doesn't the government do something about the floating trash?" the consultant asked.
He also pointed out that a giant anti-drug billboard promoting a drug-free society, that at the time displayed a large syringe showing a method to consume drugs. This might give a negative impression to visitors. The billboard was situated at one of Brunei's tourism hotspots. "Drug billboards are bad for tourism," the consultant said. However, he was happy about Ulu Temburong in terms of his personal experience there as a tourist.
'Eco-tourism in Temburong is brilliant!" he exclaimed. The means of transportation to Ulu Temburong are enchanting for the international tourists even if it takes quite a long time. "Looks and scenery are very important."
The tourist guides and their knowledge about ecology is of top level. However, explanation about the canopy walk needs little improvement.
"The tour guide who took us on the canopy walk had very limited knowledge about nature or ecology."
He suggested improvements at the Visitor Centre in Ulu Temburong and accommodation facility so that it becomes more eco-friendly.
He pointed out that the walkways should be made of wooden planks, and not concrete, as it goes against the overall "nature theme" that appeals to tourists.
Moving to Brunei's tourism assets of Luagan Lalak and Tasik Marimbun, he said both are unpredictable natural landscapes and posses a value for tourists. However, he said the infrastructure needed improvement as many walkways and bridges were in dilapidated condition and the only bird watching hut lies abandoned.
The Brunei Times
JAPANESE tourism consultant said that Brunei has the potential to tap the Japanese "baby boomers" or elderly market as Brunei is rich in natural heritage, although recent research indicated Brunei has many areas that can still be improved.
The research, completed last year, says that the target market can be set for wider range segments because of good infrastructure and easy access to the pristine nature. Brunei's rainforests can be seen along the main roads just outside of the capital.
Primary rainforest is an important tourism asset, said F Sakakibara, who has 25 years of consulting experience with diverse clientele. "With nature right next door, it is quite an advantage," he said. Eco-tourism is key to development of the Brunei tourism market. He suggested that collaboration with the Forestry Department would further improve tourist satisfaction.
Sakakibara added that the Brunei Forestry Museum could become an ideal orientation centre for eco-tourism by improving aspects and responding to tourist needs. Primitive mangrove forests and wildlife such as Proboscis Monkey can be seen in the city, allowing an easy access to nature.
However, tourism information about Brunei is very diluted. When people overseas hear stories about Brunei, it has nothing to do with tourism, said the consultant. "I have a very clear-cut image of Brunei, but it's not related to tourism".
He pointed out other factors apart from natural ecology that would appeal to tourists, such as the cleanliness, safety and the stability of the country.
"Hygiene, public safety, and security are very important to tourists," he added.
However, Sakakibara also talked about some eyesores like the rubbish that is seen floating around the Brunei River and Kampong Ayer, which might deter tourists from coming back, or recommending it to other tourists.
"Why doesn't the government do something about the floating trash?" the consultant asked.
He also pointed out that a giant anti-drug billboard promoting a drug-free society, that at the time displayed a large syringe showing a method to consume drugs. This might give a negative impression to visitors. The billboard was situated at one of Brunei's tourism hotspots. "Drug billboards are bad for tourism," the consultant said. However, he was happy about Ulu Temburong in terms of his personal experience there as a tourist.
'Eco-tourism in Temburong is brilliant!" he exclaimed. The means of transportation to Ulu Temburong are enchanting for the international tourists even if it takes quite a long time. "Looks and scenery are very important."
The tourist guides and their knowledge about ecology is of top level. However, explanation about the canopy walk needs little improvement.
"The tour guide who took us on the canopy walk had very limited knowledge about nature or ecology."
He suggested improvements at the Visitor Centre in Ulu Temburong and accommodation facility so that it becomes more eco-friendly.
He pointed out that the walkways should be made of wooden planks, and not concrete, as it goes against the overall "nature theme" that appeals to tourists.
Moving to Brunei's tourism assets of Luagan Lalak and Tasik Marimbun, he said both are unpredictable natural landscapes and posses a value for tourists. However, he said the infrastructure needed improvement as many walkways and bridges were in dilapidated condition and the only bird watching hut lies abandoned.
The Brunei Times
Business Besides Oil
